At quarterback, senior Trelon Johson (5-10, 150) was considered a lock to be the starter. However, that was before sophomore Nick Hollas (6-0, 230) emerged the past few weeks.

"Trelon didn't have much competition over the summer in 7-on-7, but Nick surprised everyone during two-a-days," Dailey said. "Nick has the stronger arm, but Trelon is a little more accurate and is a better athlete. It might be a game-day decision as to who starts."

Waltrip has a legitimate weapon in junior kicker Alvaro Grimaldo (5-10, 165), who led the district in field goals and extra-point kicks last season.

Dailey said he's excited about facing Pasadena, which dominated Spring Woods 33-3 last week. He feels it's the perfect tune-up the District 21-4A slate, which begins with a game against Sharpstown in two weeks.

"We'll have a much better idea of where we are as a football team after Pasadena," Dailey said. "That's all you can ask for from an opener."

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One shot: The Waltrip football team will open the 2013 season against Pasadena at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at Delmar Stadium. It's the only non-league game for the Rams as they gear up for District 21-4A play later this month.